The morning sun rose slowly over the city of Eldoria.
Golden light spread across the rooftops, filling the streets with warmth as people began their day. Merchants opened their shops, students hurried through the streets, and the large gates of Arcane Magic Academy stood proudly at the center of the city.
It was the most famous magic school in the kingdom.
Only talented mages were accepted.
And today was the first day for new students.
Standing near the entrance gate was a tall teenage boy with calm crimson eyes.
This boy was Anoling Veldrath.
To everyone around him, he looked like a normal student wearing the academy uniform.
But in truth, Anoling was something far beyond normal.
Long ago, he had possessed the power to destroy entire worlds and manipulate the deepest roots of existence.
But now he had sealed most of that power away.
Today, he would only use basic magic.
"Hmm… so this is the academy."
Anoling looked at the massive school building in front of him.
The structure was enormous, built from white stone with tall towers that touched the sky. Magical runes glowed faintly along the walls, forming powerful protective barriers.
For most mages, the barrier would feel overwhelming.
To Anoling, however, it felt like nothing more than a weak breeze.
"Pretty small barrier," he muttered quietly.
Nearby students continued talking excitedly.
"Did you hear? They say the entrance test is really hard!"
"I heard only top-tier mages can pass the combat exam!"
"I'm nervous…"
Anoling listened silently.
None of it worried him.
Even if he limited himself to basic magic, the entrance exam would still be easy.
Suddenly, a loud voice echoed across the courtyard.
"All new students gather here!"
A tall instructor wearing dark robes stepped forward.
His name was Professor Valen, one of the academy's magic examiners.
The students quickly formed a large group in front of him.
"Welcome to Arcane Magic Academy," the professor said.
"This school trains the greatest mages in the kingdom."
He paused before continuing.
"But before you can attend classes…"
"You must pass the magic aptitude test."
Some students gasped nervously.
Others clenched their fists.
Professor Valen raised his hand.
In the center of the courtyard, a large crystal sphere rose from the ground.
"This crystal will measure your magical power."
"Place your hand on it and release your magic."
The crystal began glowing faintly.
"Next," the professor said.
Others created glowing flames.
Each result was carefully measured.
Then—
"Next student… Anoling Veldrath."
Anoling stepped forward calmly.
Many students glanced at him curiously.
He looked completely relaxed.
Almost bored.
Anoling placed his hand on the crystal.
For a brief moment…
He considered releasing even a tiny fraction of his true power.
Then he shook his head.
"That would probably break it."
Instead, he released the smallest amount of basic magic possible.
Just a tiny spark.
Yet the moment his magic touched the crystal—
The sphere trembled slightly.
A faint crack appeared across its surface.
Professor Valen's eyes widened.
"That's strange…"
The crystal continued glowing brighter.
Even though Anoling was only using basic magic, the measurement scale kept rising.
The surrounding students stared in shock.
"W-What…?"
"How is that possible?"
Anoling quietly removed his hand.
The crystal finally stopped glowing.
Professor Valen stared at the result in disbelief.
"This reading…"
He looked up at Anoling again.
"Just what kind of mage are you…?"
Anoling simply smiled slightly.
"Just a beginner."
But deep within him…
A power older than creation itself slept quietly.
And if that power ever awakened—
This academy…
This kingdom…
Even the universe itself…
Would not be able to contain it.